Valutazione qualitativa e quantitativa della placca batterica in pazienti geriatrici sottoposti a trattamento ortodontico-protesico

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to assess qualitative and quantitative changes in the bacterial flora of the oral cavity in a group of geriatric patients receiving preventive dental care in the Milan School.

Materials and methods

Before undergoing orthodontic therapy, geriatric patients are enrolled in a preventodontic program that includes an initial 4-month phase of education, motivation, and prevention. During this period, the patient attends hygiene training sessions and, when necessary, receives a more complete periodontal evaluation. The program is divided into six levels, and the patient is allowed to repeat each level three times. The study included a sample of 42 patients. Samples of plaque obtained from the lingual surfaces of tooth 46 at various stages of the preventive program were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

The study shows that progression through the various phases of the program was accompanied by significant decreases in the plaque index. The qualitative assessment revealed decreases in total cocci and bacilli.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of the dental hygienist who accompanies the patient throughout the preventive protocol. The role of the hygienist is to educate, motivate, and reinforce the motivation of the patient whose mouth is often in suboptimal condition at the beginning of the orthodontic therapy.